As Great as I’d Hoped!

Good Monday morning.

Back from my church women’s retreat. Oh my, did I have fun! Early this morning, I had to check on the baby robins. I was so sure their nest would be empty. Two of the four were gone. I went to gently pet one of the remaining babies, but he immediately bolted out of the nest. He can fly just fine! As for his brother, he seemed content to stay. Didn’t even flinch. Wonder if he’s feeling insecure to fly. Or maybe he’s just going to stay warm and safe in his bed until his mama kicks him out. Maybe he doesn’t like Monday mornings.

As for the retreat, it’s just like I thought it would be. Saw old friends and gave and received about a million hugs. One old friend, now a missionary in France, flew in to hear this particular speaker since she’s among her favorite authors. I hadn’t seen Nancy since about 1992! Saw a couple other friends I hadn’t seen in about as long. Lots of remembering of God’s faithfulness over the years among us. All in all, a glorious time.

Our speaker, Ruth Myers, was fabulous. Prolific author and dear, dear woman. She taught simply, sharing numerous anecdotes from her life, infusing God’s Word. She’s memorized considerable portions of Scripture and it showed the way she graciously wove just the perfect verses into her messages. After each session, I felt strengthened, emboldened, sometimes convicted, but always refreshed.

Ruth celebrated her 77th birthday on Saturday. What a treat to be able to sing Happy Birthday to her. We love you, Ruth! Thanks so much for flying all the way from Colorado Springs all by yourself. You blessed us so much. She reminds me of another dear Ruth, a few years her senior, also a wonderful author. My dear friend. Yes, Mama Ruth, I mean you.

Some from the retreat asked that I would post a poem on my blog that I shared. To you dear friends, both old and new from Calvary Fellowship in Seattle, here you go. Thanks so much for blessing me incredibly this weekend. Cathy Taylor, thanks to you especially. My gratitude to you and Wayne is immeasurable.

LATELY

I’ve known You for a long time
And loved You just as long.
And during all this time with You
You’ve helped my faith grow strong.
But lately I’ve been loving You
Much greater than before.
I’m learning that Your love for me
Has opened every door.

The only way to thank You now
For all that You have done
Is yielding to You, Father,
Through Jesus Christ, Your Son.
No more will You ask of me;
This is all that You desire.
For when I love and serve You, Lord,
Great works You can inspire.

So, I’ll be on my way now, Lord,
To love as You’ve loved me.
And through my actions, hopefully,
It’s You in me they’ll see.
At least that’s what I’m praying for,
If we all will do the same,
It won’t be long before the world
Will call upon Your Name.

Gayle DeSalles ©1979